St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1887-05-28
then at Florettc. Did you send Harvey


you? | really was in JEST
In jest" exclaimed the young man,
rising from his seat and turning deadly
pale; land perhaps it was in jest that
you have so many times promised to be
mine. Speak. Florette; is it So?''
The young girl trembled as she gaZed
upon his pallid face, yet with smile
she answered.:
Certainly, dear Harvey, l was in
jest all the time, and | thought you
were, Also
Mr.. Gayland had listened in Supplied
amazement to FlOrette's heartlesS con-
feSsion. He never imagined that one of
his daughters could be guilty of so base
so pure and guileiess. He spoke not,
but pointed TO the door. AS Florette
closed it, Harvey fell on his knees, and
the tear-drops rolled down his cheeks.
Lille also wept bitterly. She loved
Harvey, and throwing her arms around
his neck, she whispered:
Don't cry, Harvey. I'll be your wife?"
These childish words instantly dried
up his tears. He pressed her to his heart
and said:
You will be my own wife, Lille; you
will never leave me, nor laugh at me, as
Florette has DONE
DldNO cAtluliItt MI. 0}tl idiic,
who had recovered the use OF his tongue,
you shall vet be my son. Harvey.
Florette has cruelty wronged you. but
don't mind it, we will have our revenge,
harmless, though sweet. Harvey, do
you really wish me to give you my own
Lillie?"
Yes, sir, for she has a good heart"
Right, my boy, and she will be as
handsome as Florette when she is as old.
When she is Il. Harvey, she is yours.
That allows me five years to educate
her. and during that time you must
travel. Our plan must be kept a pro-
found secret between us three. Remem-
Der, Harvey, that when you return 1t
must be incog, and then comes our re-
Venge.'
In week Harvey Lester had left
town, and Lille. much to the aStonish-
ment of her mother and sisters, was
sent to ali excellent female seminary.
Mr.. Gayland seldom spoke of Harvey
Lester. but when his name was menA
toned jeeringly, there would be a smile
Of deep and quiet meaning playing over
his benevolent features.
Summer came around again, and
again were Mrs. Gayland. Irene and
Lucia at Saratoga, but Florette was not
allowed to go. In vain her mother
coaXed; Mr.. Gaylord was memorable.
Florette thought it was on account of
her youth, but as summer after summer
passed away and found her still at
home she knew it was punishment,
and felt it to be just. &.
Five years had passed away. Mr..
Gayland had been from home IA week,
and his wife wondered why he stayed
SO long Mamma" said Florette, II
should think you would know where he
has gone; did he not tell you?"
No, | asked him and he refused to
tell me," said Mrs. Gayland, looking
very sour.
'.Oh, l can guess, said Florette, who
seemed TO be in high spirits; she has
gone to bring his darling Lille home"
Strange, the mother had almost for
gotten that she had Il child away from
home.
Well" said Mrs. Gayland, coldly, 81
hope he has; the chambermaid is going
to leave me, and Lille can take her
place"
La, ma" lisped Lucia, do you think
after keeping her five years at --
seminary papa will allow her to- come
home and make beds for us?''
Lucia's New York exquisite had left
her. and she was now %.
I'VE shall See,' answered Mrs. Gay
land. with a decided air; but bark,
hear a carriage-it must be your
father" t0.
Yes" said Lucia, looking out of the
window, land there is lady with him.
but it cannot be Lille, for she looks
very handsome" | -.-c
The door opened-Mr. Gayland en-
tered, leading. young and beautiful
girl. Advancing towards his wife and
daughters he presented her.
maria, your daughter, Lille; Lucia,
FlOrette. your sisterT'
Lille. with sweet smile, extended
her hand, and, Notwithstanding an evil
dent GOODNESS on the part Of her mother
and sisters, she would press her lips to
theirs.
Well. Maria," said Mr.. Gayland. tri-
umphantly, do you want Lille in the
kitchen now? Or perhaps next summer
you would like to exhibit her and Flo
rette at Saratoga
A bitter smile was the only reply.
Mrs. Gayland saw that the poor. de-
spised and inSulted child was beautiful
even more beautiful than Flerette;
for there was a brightness in the dark
eyes of Lille that spoke of heaYenborn
thought; while the soft cadence of her
voice was sweeter than the Zephyr's
harp.
While Lille was divesting herself of
her travelling dress, Florette, instead of
assisting her, was gazing out upon the
lawn. Suddenly she exclaimed, while a
slight blush tinged her cheek: .,-sr.s e.
Papa, look, do you know this gentle
man approaching? He was introduced
here by Mr.. Berwick on the day after
you left, and is the most agreeable man
] ever met. He must have travelled all
over die world, for his knowledge is
boundieSs; and his manners are so dis
tinguiShed. At times, when he is speak
ing very earnestly, his voice resembles
Harvey Testers. and sometimes he fixes
his eyes upon me just as Harvey used
to do 81 ,-
'.Indeed, Florette," answered her
father. Il hope you have not lost your
heart. / know the gentleman well, and
he is engaged to young lady of this vii
lage.
Engaged. impossible, papa said
Lucia, 'he only visits here, and his eyes
are always on Florette. But bark, he
rings"
Mr.. Gayland himself opened the door
and welcomed the gentleman by a hearty
shake of the hand; then leading Lille
forward. he said: It.+
Harvey Lester, this is my daughter
Lille, and your afiianced bride"
The young man gaZed upon her face
in admiring wonder, then kneeling he
said, as in days gone by: ~ i...-
You will be my own wife, Lille: you
will never leave me, nor laugh at me as
Florette has done?'
And again Lille threw her arms
around his neck and answered with a
face of smiles ard tears:
''Oh, 10. never, dear Harvey. | will
always be your own Lille" t;,.,-
The rage of the mother and the cha
grin of Fl0rette can better be imagined
than described. Mr.. Gayland noticed
them not; but. taking the hand of his
future S0n-in-law, he said: r.